News Releases

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Griffins on Friday released right wing Mike Knuble from his professional tryout and signed defenseman Mark Mitera to a professional tryout.

Knuble, 40, signed a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Flyers on Friday, rejoining the organization where he spent four seasons from 2005-09. The East Kentwood native made his Griffins debut during Wednesday’s 5-4 shootout win over Oklahoma City, collecting one assist and becoming the second Greater Grand Rapids native to skate for the team. A veteran of 1,040 NHL games, Knuble has recorded 540 points (274-266—540) and 621 penalty minutes with the Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers, Boston Bruins, Flyers and Washington Capitals.

Mitera, 25, is in his fourth professional season, having recorded four points (0-4—4) and four penalty minutes in six contests with the ECHL’s Reading Royals this season. The Royal Oak, Mich., native skated in 76 games for the Hamilton Bulldogs in 2011-12, notching 13 points (3-10—13) and 48 penalty minutes. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound defenseman shows 40 points (9-31—40) and 120 penalty minutes in 184 career AHL contests with Iowa, San Antonio, Syracuse and Hamilton.

A former first-round pick (19th overall) by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, Mitera skated in 131 games at the University of Michigan from 2005-09, tallying 54 points (4-50—54) and 175 penalty minutes. He was a teammate of Luke Glendening with the Wolverines as a senior captain in 2008-09.

Mitera will try to help the Griffins earn for their fourth straight win tonight when they host Houston at 7 p.m. The Aeros and Griffins will also clash tomorrow at Van Andel Arena at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at griffinshockey.com.